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It’s been a bad night for Teacup. He’s hungry, wet, and tired. He’s run afoul of the assassin’s guild, lost a bag of stolen goods, and bet his last penny on the local darts champion when he should have bought bread for his kids. Maybe fate needs a little help . . .
As a pastiche of Sword and Sorcery, “Darts” represents the core fantasy characters and archetypes that enthusiasts love (and hate), explores their deeper motivations, and reminds us that best friends are hard to come by.
As a pastiche of Sword and Sorcery, “Darts” represents the core fantasy characters and archetypes that enthusiasts love (and hate), explores their deeper motivations, and reminds us that best friends are hard to come by.
73 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
About the author
Benjamin K. Hewett
8 books46 followersBenjamin K. Hewett lives in Houston and translates English into English for NASA. He also speaks French, mumbles German, and is slowly learning Arabic and Chinese. He is a Vera Hinckley Mayhew Award recipient and winner of the 2019 Marburg Award in Germany. In addition to reading and writing, Ben enjoys spending time with his three kids, playing jazz piano, and juggling fire.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in French, a Master of Public Administration, and was once a fourth grade teacher.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in French, a Master of Public Administration, and was once a fourth grade teacher.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 22, 2022
This is super short. And barely a story, though there are lots of moving parts. And a lot of threads are left dangling at the end. I think this may be a serialization type of thing, but I can't say I'm interested in finding out. I mean, if you're going to do a serial story, then you need to make each bite satisfactory. And this one wasn't. I've added a second star because it was a valiant attempt and the main character is sympathetic as well as unusual.
October 25, 2015
This was a fun quick read featuring a group of fantasy characters. These character are of the less desirable type. We have thieves, pickpockets, bookies, gamblers, and more. I enjoyed the authors writing style, he is very good at setting a scene. This is just a Littleton seventy pages long. This is meant for adults and has a couple of cute illustrations.
April 1, 2022
I enjoyed reading Darts and Rings of The Paladin’s Thief series and quickly moved through them. There were underlying stories working their way to the surface and craftily kept in their places to keep me interested and wanting more of this fun tale.
Both books tell a compelling story, individually and overall. For readers who play role-playing games, The Paladin’s Thief fits into the fantasy genre of how many of us expect a story to unfold. There are twists occurring to the characters who each have a story to tell. And relationships building between the characters that should keep them together for more stories in the future.
If you have younger readers wanting to read Darts and Rings, you may want to read them first. There are some adult themes that are hinted at, but not overly done. They are subtleties to a story and plot without slapping you in the face.
I recommend The Paladin’s Thief, Darts and Rings, to readers looking for a fun fantasy that is a quick read where it isn’t about the hero being the absolute good guy.
You can read the entire review at http://guildmastergaming.blogspot.com...
Both books tell a compelling story, individually and overall. For readers who play role-playing games, The Paladin’s Thief fits into the fantasy genre of how many of us expect a story to unfold. There are twists occurring to the characters who each have a story to tell. And relationships building between the characters that should keep them together for more stories in the future.
If you have younger readers wanting to read Darts and Rings, you may want to read them first. There are some adult themes that are hinted at, but not overly done. They are subtleties to a story and plot without slapping you in the face.
I recommend The Paladin’s Thief, Darts and Rings, to readers looking for a fun fantasy that is a quick read where it isn’t about the hero being the absolute good guy.
You can read the entire review at http://guildmastergaming.blogspot.com...
February 21, 2015
The best short story I've read in years (and no I'm not just saying that because Ben is my brother)! A magic ring, a burglar, an evil wizard, and a warrior ... kinda reminds me of the hobbit. Oh wait, what's this about a game of darts? You'll have to read it to find out what kept me turning pages even while my two sons (5 & 2) were bouncing around me (while also listening) for 45 minutes on a Saturday morning.
March 10, 2019
Updated 3/10/19: OMG! I still love this book! I read it again because it's been a while and I wanted a refresher before Shadowcloaks. Seriously clever, well-nuanced characters in believable setting.
5/31/15: Smart and clever, this book is a fast-paced fantasy story that can be read in one sitting. When I finished the book, I was sad that there wasn't more!
5/31/15: Smart and clever, this book is a fast-paced fantasy story that can be read in one sitting. When I finished the book, I was sad that there wasn't more!
April 10, 2016
Funny little book.
Set in a pub, this is a funny book. Strange characters with their own secrets and foibles. I've never read anything so interesting that is set around a game of darts!
Set in a pub, this is a funny book. Strange characters with their own secrets and foibles. I've never read anything so interesting that is set around a game of darts!
February 9, 2017
Good read
Very good book it was well written, I enjoyed the main character as well as the others. The storyline as well as the interactions between the characters very enjoyable. I'm off to read the next in the series.
Very good book it was well written, I enjoyed the main character as well as the others. The storyline as well as the interactions between the characters very enjoyable. I'm off to read the next in the series.
February 21, 2015
Every fantasy story seems to spend some time in the local tavern. Naturally, that tavern is filled with an assortment of all the different fantasy races and careers present in that fantasy world. It is like the Cantina scene from Star Wars but with a fantasy twist. In this tavern, there is always a dartboard.
In this short story, a stranger ends up in a game with the local darts champ (he is half goblin) and the semi-retired dark wizard/assassin. But as to be expected, the game doesn't happen quietly. There is a tavern brawl, an attack by a villainous mob Oscars super assassins, and even a fire. But the game must go on.
This story was fun. It had a lot of the classic fantasy story elements as well as some new twists. I would recommend it to fans of fantasy, especially those type of stories from the 80's. But don't forget your sense of humor. If you can't smile at yourself and the hobbies that you love, then you will miss out on some of the best parts of your hobby and life in general.
In this short story, a stranger ends up in a game with the local darts champ (he is half goblin) and the semi-retired dark wizard/assassin. But as to be expected, the game doesn't happen quietly. There is a tavern brawl, an attack by a villainous mob Oscars super assassins, and even a fire. But the game must go on.
This story was fun. It had a lot of the classic fantasy story elements as well as some new twists. I would recommend it to fans of fantasy, especially those type of stories from the 80's. But don't forget your sense of humor. If you can't smile at yourself and the hobbies that you love, then you will miss out on some of the best parts of your hobby and life in general.
November 13, 2019
Perfect little story if you ask me. Taverns are a staple of every medieval fantasy novel and having your story centered around a game of darts in a tavern was very fun and fresh. The author's storytelling talent are up there and all the characters were likable and shown much depth for such a short story. The writing style is peculiar but very evocative. I can't wait to read the next story of The Paladin's Thief.
February 16, 2015
4.5 Stars. Great short fantasy story epitomizing a not-so-ordinary battle between good and evil, with a very interesting cast. The author has a great ability to create engaging characters. It was amazing, despite the brevity of the tale, how much I learned about each major player. His use of imagery allowed me to easily visualize the storyline. I finished wanting more.
February 14, 2016
What a witty, fast, fun YA read! Loved the authentic conversation, sense of humor, character imagery, and playful ideas. Reads like the love child of Patricia Wrede and Orson Scott Card. (Or Scalzi, who knows...) the next two books are twice as long and even better. The author was just teasing us with this one.
February 23, 2022
This story was a fun, fast-paced adventure in a bite-sized package. It has all the charm and chaos of an RPG and made me miss my old D&D group. If you love taverns, brawls, and adventure, then I'd recommend DARTS! I'm excited to read the next one.
April 30, 2021
Amazing.
I completely enjoyed this story from beginning to end. I was entertained and involved with the characters. Looking forward to more from this author!
I completely enjoyed this story from beginning to end. I was entertained and involved with the characters. Looking forward to more from this author!
February 25, 2015
Loved it! Well worth the quick read.
This had all of the ingredients for an epic fantasy tale, scrunched into a little package: plot twists, heroic bravery, villains, love, and lots of laughs.
This had all of the ingredients for an epic fantasy tale, scrunched into a little package: plot twists, heroic bravery, villains, love, and lots of laughs.
March 9, 2015
Fun fantasy, but it's just a teaser. I can't wait to read more about Ector.
January 24, 2022
I really liked this book. It started a bit slow, but I'm glad I took the time to stick it out, because once the action starts, it's breathless reading. Initially, it's about a game of darts and a wager, but as more fantastic elements emerge in the story, including creative poisoning and merciless killers, the focus shifts to a fantastic tavern fight with surprise guests.
The tavern where this story is largely set is located in what seems to be a much bigger fantasy world with nightshade killers and half-goblins that are good at darts in addition to the usual suspects - a hungry thief, a pretty bar maid, and a dashing hero. I'm curious to see where the sequels will take me.
The story offers some twists and turns that genuinely surprised me and that fit the characters well. It has some slight inconsistencies, but much more cool ideas, laugh-out-loud dialog and engaging characters like Teacup, Lucinda, Magnus and Markel that I hope I will see again and find out more about.
Poisons play a big part in this story and I enjoyed that there is a whole system of different ones (depending on the occasion) and their antidotes, all with fitting names.
Overall, it's a quick and easy read and genuinely fun.
The tavern where this story is largely set is located in what seems to be a much bigger fantasy world with nightshade killers and half-goblins that are good at darts in addition to the usual suspects - a hungry thief, a pretty bar maid, and a dashing hero. I'm curious to see where the sequels will take me.
The story offers some twists and turns that genuinely surprised me and that fit the characters well. It has some slight inconsistencies, but much more cool ideas, laugh-out-loud dialog and engaging characters like Teacup, Lucinda, Magnus and Markel that I hope I will see again and find out more about.
Poisons play a big part in this story and I enjoyed that there is a whole system of different ones (depending on the occasion) and their antidotes, all with fitting names.
Overall, it's a quick and easy read and genuinely fun.
January 5, 2025
This is super short—not quite 69 pages and that is double spaced with some illustrations. Darts is barely a story and I'm at a loss for how it got 4 and 5 star reviews. Of course, at least one of those reviews was from the author's brother, and maybe the rest are from friends and family too.
This story has potential. There's an interesting plot, there are interesting characters. But it lacks too much and needs to be fleshed out. There's no world building, no character development. The reader is just dropped into the middle of a tavern and given a few crumbs about the main character and a few of the supporting characters. Honestly, this is just a bare bones story, which feels more like an outline of a story. As is, it might have made an okay short story in a magazine or on a blog, but it's a waste as a book.
I'd call this either an outline or a very rough first draft. There are also some grammar problems (over use of commas for one). A better editor and more time developing this world would help immensely. While the second book RINGS is longer, I have no desire to read it.
2 stars for effort.
This story has potential. There's an interesting plot, there are interesting characters. But it lacks too much and needs to be fleshed out. There's no world building, no character development. The reader is just dropped into the middle of a tavern and given a few crumbs about the main character and a few of the supporting characters. Honestly, this is just a bare bones story, which feels more like an outline of a story. As is, it might have made an okay short story in a magazine or on a blog, but it's a waste as a book.
I'd call this either an outline or a very rough first draft. There are also some grammar problems (over use of commas for one). A better editor and more time developing this world would help immensely. While the second book RINGS is longer, I have no desire to read it.
2 stars for effort.
May 30, 2019
I loved the storyline and the characters. I wished there was more or that this was only the premise to a longer story. I'm definitely going to get more in this series. It was interesting. I also loved the art in the book, although I felt the sketches were better than the colored pictures. The thing that made me feel that this book deserves a four star instead of five was that there was a lot of typos that needed to be edited, much more than I'm used to when reading a story.
March 5, 2022
***Received from a Goodreads giveaway ***
This review is for book 1 and 2.
Short books that can be read in less than a day. They are cute and contain an inventive world, even though there are all your well trod fantasy tropes. But that was the point. A fantasy world of tropes but focusing on the one-off characters hanging out in your favorite adventurer’s tavern stop.
On the con side, the writing is week. But they are still fun. Not a laugh riot like promised but fun.
This review is for book 1 and 2.
Short books that can be read in less than a day. They are cute and contain an inventive world, even though there are all your well trod fantasy tropes. But that was the point. A fantasy world of tropes but focusing on the one-off characters hanging out in your favorite adventurer’s tavern stop.
On the con side, the writing is week. But they are still fun. Not a laugh riot like promised but fun.
March 19, 2022
***Received from a goodreads giveaway ***
I really liked this book. I found it fun and imaginative with a surprisingly varied set of storylines in such a compact package. But, I wasn't a fan of the way women are portrayed in the artwork (waists that are literally too small to be healthy) and in the content. The book stuck to stereotypes about women being temptresses with soft hearts.
That being said, it was a fun read and I immediately finished the second book after finishing this one.
I really liked this book. I found it fun and imaginative with a surprisingly varied set of storylines in such a compact package. But, I wasn't a fan of the way women are portrayed in the artwork (waists that are literally too small to be healthy) and in the content. The book stuck to stereotypes about women being temptresses with soft hearts.
That being said, it was a fun read and I immediately finished the second book after finishing this one.
January 25, 2025
I bought Benjamin's series this morning at FanExpo, Portland. After getting home I sat down and read this whole story. It was quick, quirky, and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I see no fault in the characters as it's hard to develop any characters in 60 pages or less. In what was given, I felt like I was in the Tavern and got a good glimpse of the characters. I'm looking forward to starting the next one!
August 6, 2022
I thought this book was super cute. It could probably be considered a short story. The author has also set the story up so that there will be other books. I thought the story was good for all ages. If your looking for something cute, fun, short, and don’t mind goblins, thieves and assassins- then this is the kind of book for you 😊
August 14, 2022
Fun fluff, but reads like a short story - not much character development, and not long enough to get invested in the characters. Also, the characters are a bit cartoonish, which I guess is what the author was going for.
Summary: If the next installment of the series was abandoned on the seat next to me during a boring flight, I’d read it, but I won’t seek it out.
Summary: If the next installment of the series was abandoned on the seat next to me during a boring flight, I’d read it, but I won’t seek it out.
May 16, 2022
This was a short and sweet fantastical book. I like the characters so far and I’m excited to see how the sequel plays out. I can imagine that Hewett will dive deeper into the characters and storyline.
July 24, 2022
Nice short story
I really liked the action and pacing in this book. It's only a short story, so it leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but get character development in such a short piece!
I really liked the action and pacing in this book. It's only a short story, so it leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but get character development in such a short piece!
January 27, 2025
Fantastic story. Loved the little bit of the world I got to see and the interesting cast of characters. I was hooked from the first line, and I'm immediately picking up book 2 because I want more of this world!
February 19, 2019
Fun little story.
Read
February 27, 2021Superlative imaginative writing. Hewett creates a fascinating world with memorable characters and a distinctive patois all his own.
November 19, 2021
short but fun
Even though it’s a short book it’s a fun one that promises to give you much fun reading more of these stories.
Even though it’s a short book it’s a fun one that promises to give you much fun reading more of these stories.
July 20, 2022
short but very good
This short story is pretty action packed and moves quickly but it never outpaces you. I enjoyed it very much.
This short story is pretty action packed and moves quickly but it never outpaces you. I enjoyed it very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews